Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

With the growth in for-sale inventory and signs that the economy remains strong, buyers have remained in the market even though rates have increased recently. The increase in conventional purchase applications helped push the average purchase loan size to $439,200, its highest level in almost a month. of applications.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

JANUARY 14, 2025

While conforming loans became less common, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and nonconforming loan types gained traction. FHA loans rose to 21% of all lock activity, with nonconforming loans at 16% and VA loans at 11.5%.

VA loan

Housing Wire

APRIL 18, 2025

By product type, conventional loans composed 49.0% of loan applications, FHA loans composed 37.0%, RHS/ USDA loans composed 0.9% and VA loans composed 13%. The average loan size for new homes decreased from $397,516 in February to $381,921 in March. from the February pace of 634,000 units.

VA loan

Housing Wire

MAY 5, 2025

VA foreclosures surged 54% after a moratorium ended , while FHA foreclosures rose 11%. Foreclosure starts climbed 28% year over year, driven largely by VA loans, although conventional (+12%) and FHA (+5%) starts also increased. New listings were up 10% year over year in March, falling only 12% shy of their 2017-2019 averages.

Lending

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

But for first-time and other cash-strapped buyers—those who are not relying on the proceeds of a home sale, who may be using a 100% financed VA loan, whose agents may be layering forms of assistance to put together enough cash for closing—knowing in advance about the seller’s contribution to their agent costs may be essential.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

APRIL 28, 2025

The foreclosure auction sales rate properties sold to third-party buyers began the year strong but fell sharply in February to a 26-month low point before partially rebounding in March. Overall, the Q1 2025 sales rate declined compared to a year ago. Major markets such as Houston , Chicago , Dallas , St.

Loans

Housing Wire

APRIL 9, 2025

Last week’s activity focused on purchase activity, which posted year-over-year growth for more than two months as for-sale inventory continues to increase steadily. The unadjusted purchase index increased 10% compared with the previous week and was 24% higher than the same week one year ago.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Housing Wire

APRIL 2, 2025

Overall purchase activity has shown year-over-year growth for more than two months as the inventory of existing homes for sale continues to increase, a positive development for the housing market despite the uncertain near-term outlook.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Housing Wire

MARCH 31, 2025

According to a 2024 report from Redfin , the average teacher could afford to buy only 14% of the homes for sale near their school districts, down from nearly 40% in 2019. But because of political grudges against unions, they refuse to support a bill that helps the very people who educated them.

Loans

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 6, 2024

For example, tips on home staging for a quick sale, how to get top dollar for a property, or advice on how to improve curb appeal are all topics that a seller might be interested in. Create content for buyers & sellers Keep in mind you should create content for both buyers and sellers.

Pre-approval

BAM Media

DECEMBER 11, 2024

Inventory Recovery and New Construction Lead the Way Housing inventory is rebounding, with November 2024 marking the highest number of homes for sale since December 2019. These connections bring frequent relocations and increased use of VA loans , enabling homeownership with little to no down payment.

New Construction

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

An increase in buyer demand, coupled with a limited supply of homes available for sale, can lead to higher competition among buyers. This increased competition often drives prices up and can indirectly influence mortgage rates as lenders adjust to the heightened risk associated with higher-priced loans.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JULY 1, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? Meanwhile, FHA loans comprised 15.3% VA home loans rose to 7.2%

Loans

Redfin

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

These costs are in addition to the purchase price of the home (if you’re buying) or the proceeds from the sale (if you’re selling). Higher monthly payments: While your upfront costs are lower, your monthly payments will be slightly higher because of the larger loan amount. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Closing costs

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 9, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 24, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

Equity

Calculated Risk Real Estate

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

The ICE HPI is a repeat sales index. ICE reports the median price change of the repeat sales. emphasis added Mortgage Delinquencies Increased in December Here is a graph on delinquencies by severity from ICE. emphasis added Mortgage Delinquencies Increased in December Here is a graph on delinquencies by severity from ICE.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JULY 4, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

Equity

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? Some markets have huge housing shortages and homes for sale.

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 28, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

JULY 21, 2025

This optimistic forecast is tied to expectations of increased home sales and supply improvements. How Mortgage Rates Affect the Housing Market Mortgage rates influence buying power and market dynamics profoundly: Higher rates tend to reduce affordability, slowing home sales. in the second half of 2025 and fall to 6.1%

Mortgages

Calculated Risk Real Estate

JULY 7, 2025

While this deceleration may help affordability, it could potentially weaken the equity positions of borrowers who purchased more recently, particularly those using FHA and VA loans, which are low down payment products. The ICE HPI is a repeat sales index. ICE reports the median price change of the repeat sales.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JULY 14, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Calculated Risk Real Estate

MARCH 14, 2025

And on foreclosures … ICE reported that foreclosures starts and sales have increased recently, especially for VA loans, however foreclosure sales are still down year-over-year. Foreclosure starts and sales are still very low. The following graph (from a report last year) shows the trend in the long term.

Equity

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Not taking advantage of government-backed loans A common first-time homebuyer mistake is overlooking government-backed loans when these programs can make homeownership more accessible. Options like FHA loans , VA loans , and USDA loans offer low down payments and more lenient credit guidelines.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 27, 2025

As Berner points out, mortgage rates in the high-6% and low-7% range have slowed home sales compared to last year. Realtor.com economists are forecasting more home sales this year compared to 2024. Increased Inventory: One of the biggest constraints on the market has been the lack of homes for sale.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 24, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford? Additionally, prices inched up 0.6%

FHA 203k rehab loan

AAOA

JANUARY 27, 2025

In addition to providing you with valuable insights and potential deals, they will help you through the entire sales process, including the offer and negotiating steps. A propertys sales history could indicate possible red flags. Check for mold, fire/water damage, windows, insulation, piping and wiring.

Property Management

Calculated Risk Real Estate

MAY 5, 2025

The ICE HPI is a repeat sales index. ICE reports the median price change of the repeat sales. The index was up 2.4% year-over-year in March, down from 3.5% YoY in February. The early look at the April HPI shows a 1.9% YoY increase. in March from +3.5%

FHA loan

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Conventional loans: You have a credit score of 620+, stable income, and can put at least 3% down. FHA loans: You have a credit score of 580+ (or 500+ with 10% down) and a higher DTI ratio. VA loans: You’re an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse. Service requirements apply.

Loans

Redfin

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

On average, sellers can expect to pay between 6% to 10% of the sale price in closing costs , including agent commissions, transfer taxes, and title fees. Closing costs are the fees and expenses required to finalize the sale of a home. On average, sellers typically pay between 6% and 10% of the homes sale price in total closing costs.

Closing costs

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

These concessions are negotiated during the offer process and help make the purchase more affordable for the buyer, without reducing the home’s sale price. Do they affect the loan or appraisal? If the concessions push the sale price above market value, the home may not appraise at the agreed price.

Seller concession

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

However, there are other costs you need to account for in addition to the loan itself, such as: Equity payment: Youll need to pay the seller for the equity theyve already built up in the home. This is typically reflected in the sale price of the property.

Loans

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 25, 2025

There still aren't many houses for sale, though, which keeps prices supported. VA Loan Advantages: If youre a veteran or on active duty, you should definitely pay attention to this. VA loans are government-backed and tend to have some seriously attractive rates. Its a gamble but can pay off.

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 30, 2025

There is a shot at getting some or all and more of the cost back in a higher sale price. This may be faster in some scenarios, but you’ll also likely take a hit on the sale price. If flippers are circling your neighborhood like vultures, an as-is sale might be your ticket. Cash buyers or conventional loans may be your best bet.

VA loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 22, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

What to do instead: Take time to research different loan types, including FHA loans with low down payment requirements, VA loans for eligible veterans, USDA loans for rural areas, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) that may offer lower initial rates. FHA Loan: Require only 3.5%

VA loan